Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Providence, RI (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

New Orleans is 9% cheaper than Providence.

$1,211/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 10%
$55,339/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 21%
$296,400 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 9%
$1,274/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 15%
376,035
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $11,433/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Providence — common questions

Is New Orleans or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Providence?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Providence?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $11,433/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Rhode Island?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New Orleans details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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